Hyundai's win: luck or progress?

Without the crashes in front, Thierry Neuville and Hyundai wouldn't have won Rally Germany. But just being close enough to pick up the pieces was a big step for a team that has hardly had VW's preparation, explains DAVID EVANS

Sebastien Ogier sprayed champagne on his Volkswagen Polo R WRC for the first time 636 days after Dr Ulrich Hackenberg announced the firm's commitment to the World Rally Championship. Hyundai did it on Sunday, 576 after its i20 got the public green light. That's 60 days sooner.

Believe me, the maths took me a worrying amount of time to do. And I've checked it. Twice. So I know it's right. Probably.